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Alberta's separatism debate is reshaping how the provincial and national flags are viewed
Spend some time in Alberta these days and you'll see duelling flags. Those who want to see the province separate are proudly showcasing the Alberta flag on billboards, bumper stickers and social media. When Mitch Sylvestre, who led the petition drive to hold a separation referendum, handed in the paperwork, the crowd was filled with people waving the blue flag with the provincial coat of arms.
The Maple Leaf, on the other hand, has become the de facto symbol of those who want the province to remain and for the separation conversation to end. Forever Canadian, led by Thomas Lukaszuk, is handing out free lawn signs to supporters, which depict a version of the Canadian flag with the group's logo in the middle.
Oliver Ho is volunteering with the group. During a recent lawn-sign giveaway, he said the Alberta flag is meaningful to him, and he does not like seeing it used in the context of this debate. "They're trying to take our symbol and then twist it to fit their narrative, and that's something that upsets me," Ho said.
Flags have become symbols for two sides in Alberta's separation debate, echoing divisions seen during the 2022 convoy.
Born-and-raised Albertan Simon Van Leeuwen has long flown a Canadian flag in his yard. He said he is proud of the Alberta flag, but not proud of how it has "been politicized." Dairy farmer Jetty Nieuwenhuis said her "heart drops" when she sees the provincial flag around rural Alberta. "I just don't like that there's so much division right now and hate and frustration, and that's generally not how I live my life," said Nieuwenhuis.
Last week, the town of Sundre cancelled its annual parade after facing a barrage of criticism for refusing entry to a float covered in Alberta flags. While the float didn't feature any messaging about separation, organizers worried at first it might be too political. In response to the cancellation, a slow roll of vehicles was organized through Sundre on the same day the parade was to be held.
The convoy comparison came up again and again in conversations with people on both sides of the current debate. During that protest, the Canadian flag became a motif, sparking mixed emotions from those opposed to the convoy. "The Canadian flag, it's certainly evolved over time in terms of what it might mean to different people at different times," said a University of Guelph marketing expert.
The Elbows Up movement saw the resurgence of the Canadian flag as a new wave of patriotism emerged in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump's "51st State" rhetoric. Dewhirst says it shows how flags can symbolize different things to different people at different times. And in a situation like Alberta is now, he said many will do mental calculations to judge what displaying a flag might say about another person's values and beliefs.
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